Diwali 2025 Dates: Full 5-Day Diwali Calendar, Lakshmi Puja Muhurat & Rituals
Diwali, popularly known as Deepawali, is India’s grandest and most widely celebrated festival. In 2025, Diwali promises to illuminate millions of homes and hearts across the country with a five-day spectacle of lights, devotion, joy, and tradition. If you’re searching for the complete Diwali 2025 calendar, including dates for Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Lakshmi Puja, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, this detailed guide covers all the essentials for this auspicious Hindu festival.
When is Diwali in 2025? Main Dates and Muhurat
Diwali in 2025 falls on Monday, October 20th, according to the Hindu lunar calendar, specifically on the 15th day of Kartik—known as the darkest night of the year (Amavasya). The celebrations, however, begin two days earlier and extend for a total of five ritual-packed days. The main festival of Lakshmi Puja is marked by vibrant evening prayers, sparkling diyas (earthen lamps), and elaborate rangoli designs that transform homes into enchanting, welcoming spaces.
Diwali 2025 Key Dates:
- Dhanteras: October 18, 2025 (Saturday)
- Choti Diwali / Naraka Chaturdashi: October 20, 2025 (Monday)
- Diwali & Lakshmi Puja: October 20, 2025 (Monday)
- Govardhan Puja: October 22, 2025 (Wednesday)
- Bhai Dooj: October 23, 2025 (Thursday)
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Auspicious Timings for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali:
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:58 PM to 8:25 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 7:08 PM to 9:03 PM
- Lakshmi Puja Muhurat: 7:08 PM to 8:18 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: 3:44 PM (Oct 20)
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: 5:54 PM (Oct 21)
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These timings are highly recommended by leading Hindu almanacs such as Drik Panchang, and observing puja during these hours is believed to attract the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
Significance and Rituals of Each Day in Diwali 2025
Diwali’s magic lies in its diversity—each of the five days represents a unique combination of myth, ritual, and social celebration.
1. Dhanteras (October 18, 2025):
Dhanteras marks the official beginning of Diwali. On this day, families worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, seeking prosperity and good fortune. Buying precious metals, especially gold and silver, is considered auspicious. Markets bustle as people purchase new utensils, jewelry, or items for the home—welcoming abundance and happiness for the coming year.
2. Naraka Chaturdashi / Choti Diwali (October 20, 2025):
Known as Choti Diwali, this day celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Devotees observe early morning rituals, bathe with traditional ubtan (herbal paste), and light lamps to mark the triumph of light over darkness. Sweets and snacks are prepared and distributed, and neighborhoods begin to glow with decorative lights and diyas.
3. Diwali & Lakshmi Puja (October 20, 2025):
This is the grandest and most significant night of the festival. Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile—a victory of good over evil and hope over despair. In the evening, households perform Lakshmi Ganesh Puja, seeking wealth, wisdom, and removal of obstacles. Traditional sweets, burst of firecrackers, exchange of gifts, and community gatherings make this the most festive night in the calendar.
4. Govardhan Puja (October 22, 2025):
The day following Diwali honors Govardhan Parvat and recalls the legend of Lord Krishna lifting the mountain to save villagers from torrential rains unleashed by Lord Indra. Devotees create miniature replicas of Govardhan hill from cow dung or other materials and offer prayers, sweets, and food. In many regions, this day is also called Annakut, when elaborate preparations and offerings of various dishes are made in temples.
5. Bhai Dooj (October 23, 2025):
The five-day Diwali celebration concludes with Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhau Beej or Bhaiya Dooj. It celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. Sisters perform aarti of their brothers, pray for their prosperity, and receive gifts in return, symbolizing love, care, and the protection of siblings.
Cultural Traditions, Decorations & Modern Day Celebrations
Throughout Diwali, Indian homes are transformed with dazzling lights, vibrant rangoli (decorative floor art), ornate torans (door hangings), and aromatic flowers. Preparations are extensive, involving thorough cleaning, renovation, and embellishing spaces to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
Families gather to share festive recipes, including laddus, barfis, and other sweets that are intrinsic to Diwali. Gift exchanges and new attire are customary as people visit relatives, friends, and neighbors to share joy and blessings. Communities organize events—ranging from aarti gatherings to fireworks displays—creating a spirit of unity and collective happiness.
Social media and technology have also added new dimensions to Diwali celebrations, with virtual greetings, online shopping, and digital rangoli competitions becoming increasingly popular, especially among the younger generation.
Diwali 2025: Environmental Awareness and Safety
In recent years, greater focus has been placed on celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali. Many families now opt for organic and noiseless fireworks, traditional oil lamps instead of electric lights, and green gifting options. Local authorities urge responsible celebrations to keep air and noise pollution to a minimum, emphasizing the importance of community health and environmental stewardship.
Children and elders alike are encouraged to observe safety measures—including careful handling of firecrackers and proper disposal of waste—to ensure Diwali remains a festival of happiness for all.
Final Thoughts: Diwali 2025—The Festival of Lights Unites India
The Diwali 2025 calendar underscores not just a sequence of rituals, but a pan-Indian celebration of faith, gratitude, and new beginnings. As families come together under glowing lights and share stories, prayers, and traditions, the festival serves as a living testament to the resilience and unity of Indian culture.
Whether you’re preparing for your first Diwali or are a lifelong participant in these cherished traditions, celebrating the Festival of Lights connects everyone to a cycle of hope, prosperity, and renewed spirit for the year ahead.
Diwali 2025 Quick Calendar Recap:
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 18, 2025 | Saturday | Dhanteras |
| Oct 20, 2025 | Monday | Choti Diwali & Diwali/Lakshmi Puja |
| Oct 22, 2025 | Wednesday | Govardhan Puja |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Thursday | Bhai Dooj |
Maximize your celebrations by planning ahead for every day on the Diwali 2025 calendar.